Raw and soulful show explores complexities of forgiveness

REVIEW: 'Forgiveness of a Monster' at The Sherman Theatre

Forgiveness of a Monster is a Sherman play that delves into human mistakes made by Connor, their impact on his relationships, and how those mistakes are confronted.

It's an autobiographical piece from Connor Allen furnished by an original soundtrack of Oraine Johnson. The show is raw and soulful.

Together the blitz of words and music open up Connor’s mind and interior world for us all to see and hear. And also, disarmingly, to participate in.

Allen interacted with the audience at the beginning of this show, asked about selected members and their understanding of forgiveness, and offered them a drink of rum. 

There's an ambitious blend of tones that range from light and naturally conversational, to seething volcanic eruptions of rageful rap. In between those points are dialogue between Allen and a range of mythical and real characters including his therapist, as he journeys through bold self examination.

The stage furniture of three large, mobile mirrors are also significantly confrontational. Allen focuses his rage on the monster of his absent father, who he blames for causing his own monstrousness.

There are brief references to violent behaviour towards girlfriends and his mother, but we don't dwell there in depth or detail. There are themes of confusion around his identity as a mixed-race young Jamaican man in Wales, neither white nor black.

Rich in ideas and musical influences, the script draws on the modern work of Kendrick Lamar and Loyle Carner, both of whom have written and recorded on the struggles of absent and distant father-son relationships.

I sometimes had the feeling of floundering, not being able to catch everything, such was the pace of the messaging and words. Usefully, a paperback book of the script is available to buy.   

Allen appears to be in his early 30s, and there's something challenging about autobiographical work of people at a relatively early stage of life, an understandable caution around certain family members characters and people that can limit the work. 

Towards its moving conclusion, the show looks hard at the complicated notion of forgiveness, and specifically Connor's forgiveness of his frail father to break the generational curse he has suffered.

It's hard not to draw comparisons with a previous visit to the Sherman Theatre back in October for No Man's Land. Here was another autobiographical or semi-autobiographical, trauma-focused play, where writing, performance, and art appeared to have a role in processing a difficult reality.

It also brought to mind Punch, a 2024 play by James Graham based on the true story of Jacob Dunne, who killed a man with a single punch in Nottingham. Involving themes of guilt, forgiveness, and restorative justice, it has seen productions in London and New York. 

This is what art does, has always done, and will always do. It balms us and allows us and all our messy flaws to be seen. It allows us the chance to identify and resonate with our own experience. There's also the chance that it allows some self-forgiveness.

Forgiveness of a Monster is at The Sherman Theatre until Saturday 23 May. You can book tickets here or call 029 2064 6900.

Review by Mark Hawkins

We received free tickets for this performance in exchange for an honest review